ELMORE – Weeks after former Ohio State band director Jon Waters was fired for tolerating what has been termed a "sexualized culture" within the band, his hometown continues to show support.

That support can be seen across the entire downtown area, as many businesses have displayed "We Stand With Jon Waters" signs in their front windows. Council will even vote on a resolution of formal support of Waters at its Monday night meeting. They also plan to request a public apology from The Ohio State University and demand Waters' reinstatement.

"We're voicing our support for Jon. He's a native son of Elmore, and what he's done with the Ohio State marching band is nothing short of phenomenal," Elmore Mayor Matt Damschroder said. "I think he's the fall guy for stuff that's been going on for years."

Waters deserves to be reinstated, said Elmore business owner Tom Deitemyer.

"Jon should be reinstated to finish the things he was starting to do — to change the way the band worked," said Deitemyer, who also is an OSU alumnus. "Jon has always supported the local causes. He gives back to the community. We're always going to be proud of him. This has been going on in the band for 30 years. He just happened to be holding the torch when the crap hit the fan."

Waters said he is profoundly thankful and not surprised by the outpouring of support from his hometown.

"I'm so grateful for their support, but I know the people of Elmore, so I'm not surprised," Waters said. "They were with me when I was a student in my first year and was cut from the band, and they were with me when I was a graduate assistant, the assistant director, when I got the directorship, and they've stayed with me through this tragedy as well."

Waters said Elmore's support has spread beyond just him and his family.

"I think people are also showing support for the band and the students in this situation and how they were treated by a rogue report in the university," Waters said. "It's not only for me but for the great students and the alumni that have given of themselves over the years."

When news of Waters' firing was announced, a street sign honoring him was removed. Village council president Rick Claar said the decision to remove the sign was not made to dishonor Waters but to protect the sign from potential theft.

Today the sign hangs in the window of the village office as a show of public support for Waters.

"We ended up putting it up in the town hall because we're still supporting Jon Waters," Claar said. "We feel he's been treated unfairly."

For many Elmore residents, Waters continues to be a source of pride.

"First of all, he's the hometown boy that made good," Joanne Price said. "He had this lifetime ambition to do this, and he did it. What he did in two years to take that band to where it's recognized around the world — it's fabulous."

Waters said he will carry his gratitude toward his hometown for the rest of his life.

"At the end of the day, we're all people. We're called to love one another and support one another," he said. "I've had support from Elmore and all over northwest Ohio. It's something I'll never forget, and my family will never forget."